Wrist Exercises

RANGE OF MOTION (ROM) AND STRETCHING EXERCISES - Wrist Sprain

These exercises may help you when beginning to rehabilitate your injury. Your symptoms may resolve with or without further involvement from your physician, physical therapist or athletic trainer. While completing these exercises, remember:

Restoring tissue flexibility helps normal motion to return to the joints. This allows healthier, less painful movement and activity.

An effective stretch should be held for at least 30 seconds.

A stretch should never be painful. You should only feel a gentle lengthening or release in the stretched tissue.

RANGE OF MOTION – Wrist Flexion, Active-Assisted

Extend your right / left elbow with your palm pointing down.*

Gently pull the back of your hand towards you until you feel a gentle stretch on the top of your forearm.

Hold this position for __________ seconds.

Repeat __________ times. Complete this exercise __________ times per day.

*If directed by your physician, physical therapist or athletic trainer, complete this stretch with your elbow bent rather than extended.

RANGE OF MOTION – Wrist Extension, Active-Assisted

Extend your right / left elbow and turn your palm upwards.*

Gently pull your palm/fingertips back so your wrist extends and your fingers point more toward the ground.

You should feel a gentle stretch on the inside of your forearm.

Hold this position for __________ seconds.

Repeat __________ times. Complete this exercise __________ times per day.

*If directed by your physician, physical therapist or athletic trainer, complete this stretch with your elbow bent, rather than extended.

RANGE OF MOTION – Supination, Active

Stand or sit with your elbows at your side. Bend your right / left elbow to 90 degrees.

Turn your palm upward until you feel a gentle stretch on the inside of your forearm.

Hold this position for __________ seconds. Slowly release and return to the starting position.

Repeat __________ times. Complete this stretch __________ times per day.

RANGE OF MOTION – Pronation, Active

Stand or sit with your elbows at your side. Bend your right / left elbow to 90 degrees.

Turn your palm downward until you feel a gentle stretch on the top of your forearm.

Hold this position for __________ seconds. Slowly release and return to the starting position.

Repeat __________ times. Complete this stretch __________ times per day.

STRENGTHENING EXERCISES

These exercises may help you when beginning to rehabilitate your injury. They may resolve your symptoms with or without further involvement from your physician, physical therapist or athletic trainer. While completing these exercises, remember:

Muscles can gain both the endurance and the strength needed for everyday activities through controlled exercises.

Complete these exercises as instructed by your physician, physical therapist or athletic trainer. Progress the resistance and repetitions only as guided.

You may experience muscle soreness or fatigue, but the pain or discomfort you are trying to eliminate should never worsen during these exercises. If this pain does worsen, stop and make certain you are following the directions exactly. If the pain is still present after adjustments, discontinue the exercise until you can discuss the trouble with your clinician.

STRENGTH – Wrist Flexors

Sit with your right / left forearm palm-up and fully supported. Your elbow should be resting below the height of your shoulder. Allow your wrist to extend over the edge of the surface.